Awka, Anambra State capital, was agog recently when widows from South-east received the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, at the Alex Ekwueme Square. It was an event organised by Women for Change Initiative and 4J, another NGO, an oil tycoon, anchored by Prince Arthur Eze, campaigning for the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan.
Wife of the president was welcomed by dignitaries, including Governor Willie Obiano, his wife, Ebelechukwu, National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of Motorcycle Transport Union of Nigeria and Auto Bike Owners Association of Nigeria (MTUN/AOWAN)/ National Chief Taskforce on Network, Abuja, Dr. Jim Okonkwo, Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, and other members of the National Assembly from South-east and wives of governors of Ebonyi and Abia states.
Okonkwo, who mobilised the widows, youths, Keke drivers and motorcycle drivers that thronged the venue said he did that as his support to the re-election bid of Jonathan. He has been mobilising discreetly for Jonathan’s re-election until recently when he came open. An Abuja-based businessman and patron, Agulu Youth Movement (AYM), he has mobilised men and women, especially widows, canvassing support for Obiano.
Mobilising support for Jonathan has taken him to other South-east states and other parts of the country. His followers and members have given him their words that they are for Jonathan.  At the maiden World Igbo Day 2014, at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, Okonkwo also mobilised for Jonathan and Igbo agenda. He was commended by the President General Ohaneze, Chief Gary Enwo Igariwey. Okonkwo said at the event: “Our strength should come from our demographic weight spread all over the country. Very soon, after consultation, our people will be called upon to speak with one voice on the issue of president; we did it before and we can do it again.
“The security situation in some parts of the country has exposed our people to clear dangers both in their lives and investments. With the escalating body counts from the violence and incendiary rhetoric from discredited politicians who continue to fuel the fire of anti-Igbo hatred, the time to think home is now.”
Okonkwo extended his philanthropy to the Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFE) pet project of Mrs. Obiano to which he donated N1 million. He made the donation when Mrs. Obiano visited Neni, Anaocha Local Government Area headquarters. CAFE takes care of poor rural women, widows, orphans and vulnerable children.
Okonkwo said: “I love anything about poor masses and widows. I am from a poor family, and I have made their duty my duty. I am very happy with Mrs. Obiano because she is taking care of the widows, youth empowerment and all these. That is the major thing you can do for the poor. I am not surprised at their victory at the Supreme Court because when you are taking care of the poor, everything is possible. I am congratulating her and her husband.
“She should keep on with the empowerment because from there, the hand of God is on us. We are very happy. We have to play our little role to show that we appreciate what she is doing. Before her husband became governor, I was the one who endorsed him at Ohanaeze Ndigbo meeting.” Mrs. Obiano thanked all the donors, especially Okonkwo, assuring them that she would deploy all their donations to the service of humanity, especially towards bettering the lives of widows, the poor and youth.
Chairman of Anaocha LG, Ikeobi Ejiofor, said the governor’s wife has shown love to the people through her empowerment programme. Ejiofor’s wife, Chioma, noted that CAFE has ensured that women have a voice in all spheres of life and appealed to the First Lady to assist women in the 10 towns in the area with garri processing machines, tailoring tools among others.

Anambra agog as Okonkwo mobilises support for Jonathan